Worldview & Perspectives
Worldviews and Perspectives was one of the three major themes that came out of the focus groups. Providers bring a multitude of cultural practices and values to their work, but there are many commonalities which shows that we are all deeply connected. These shared ideas form what we call a “worldview”.
“I think that the staff and the team that we've brought together, and the community that we have, are made up of so many different people from different backgrounds, with different journeys and stories. Different reasons for being here. Not everyone is motivated by the same thing. Realizing that we have a common dedication, no matter where it is that we came from, and that we all want to serve and support children and families is what binds us together.” - focus group participant
A worldview is the way people see and understand their lives, shaped by their families, traditions, beliefs, history, and connection to the land. The stories that came out of the focus groups showed how different worldviews are connected and how each perspective helps create strong support for children and families.
Dr. Alicia F. Lieberman said, "Relationships are the heart of healthy development for young children." This means children learn about themselves and the world through the relationships around them. People shared how their cultural beliefs, community connections, and relationships with the land help children grow healthy and happy. Listening and respecting each other's worldviews helps us better understand and support families.
Key Takeaways
The chart below shows topics that were brought up related to worldview. The numbers show how many times these topics were mentioned, but every voice is important—no matter how many times something was said. You can click on the buttons to explore each topic deeper.
The Workforce Cares Deeply
Many people said they chose to work in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) because they wanted to help others and support their communities. Some shared that they or their families had gone through hard times and healing. These experiences helped them understand why it's important to include different cultures, beliefs, and stories in their work. They care a lot about helping young children and families grow and heal. Their love for the work keeps them going, even when things are tough.
Strong Relationships and Community Connection
Relationships are central to how workers see their jobs. Building strong relationships with families, coworkers, and communities is essential for providing good support. Trust, respect, and friendship help everyone work together effectively, creating a strong community network that benefits children and families.
Community Service and Cultural Strength
Many IECMH workers see their job as helping their community, guided by their cultural strengths and beliefs. They use their own experiences and traditions to help others, turning personal struggles into ways to support and empower families.
Historical Understanding and Healing
People emphasized how history affects their worldview today. Understanding historical events and past traumas helps workers support healing in their communities. Recognizing and respecting history is important for building stronger, healthier relationships with families.
The Work is Hard - The System Makes it Harder
People also talked about the challenges they face. The systems that are supposed to help often make the work more stressful. There isn’t enough money or resources and strict rules and regulations can make it hard to get families the support they need. Many workers feel tired, underpaid, and unappreciated. Some are even thinking about leaving the field. Those who already left made their decision carefully and intentionally, knowing it was the right choice for them, despite their continued desire to support children and families.
Making Workplaces Fair and Equitable
Workers talked about needing fairness and justice in their workplaces. They want better support, fair pay, and opportunities to grow professionally. Having fair and inclusive workplaces helps workers stay committed and passionate about their jobs.
Respecting Different Ways of Knowing
Workers value the different ways cultures understand the world, such as traditional teachings, languages, and spiritual practices. They believe it's important to respect and include these diverse ways of knowing in their work to support children and families effectively.